Hitching device.



No. 709,473. Patented Sept. 23, l902'.

A. H. 'DEBORD.

HITCHI N'G DEVICE.

(Application filed July 3, 1902.)

(No Model.)

f7: 1262a l ar UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

AUSTIN HENRY DEBORD, OF CANON CITY, COLORADO.

HITCHING DEVICE.

SPEG1FIGATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 709,473, dated September 23, 190.2.

Application filed July 3, 1902. $erial No. 114,254. (No model.)

vices; and I do declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accom pan ying drawings, and to the figures of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

My invention relates to hitching devices, and has forits object to provide a device of this class which is particularly simple in construction and easy and positive of operation.

A further object of my invention is to provide a hitching device which is operated from within the vehicle and which is so constructed that it may be raised or lowered to any de sired height between the floor of the vehicle and the ground.

With these objects in view my invention consists principallyin the particular arrangement and construction of my locking-plate.

My invention further consists in certain other novel features of construction and in combination of parts, which will be first fully described and afterward specifically pointed out in theappended claims.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 shows my invention in operation. Fig. 2 is a perspective of my hitching device.

Like numerals of reference indicate the same parts throughout both figures,in which- 1 is a wagon provided with the floor 2. A small hole or opening is made in said floor in any convenientplace, and the locking-plate 3 is securedto the floor directly over said hole or opening. Said locking-plate 3 is provided with a hole 4, shaped similar to that of a keyhole, and the rear portion 5 of said plate is folded back upon itself and bifurcated to conform to the elongated portion of keyholeshaped opening, the extreme; ends 6 being rolled for a purpose which will hereinafter be fully described.

7 indicates the weight, and 8 the chain or suspending means, which is provided with a ring 9 at the top thereof for manipulating the weight.

10 indicates the hitching lines or straps, whichlead from the bit over the shafts and front axle to the weight 7.

Having thus fully set forth the several parts of my invention, its operation is as follows: When the weight is in the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and it is desired to raise the same clear of the grouud,the ring is grasped and the Weight lifted, the chain or suspendingmeans passing through the larger portion of the keyhole-shaped opening. \Vhen the weight has been raised to the desired height, the chain or suspending means is passed back into the elongated portion of the keyhole-opening, it of course being understood that when I employ a chain it must be of the style shown in the drawings, in which each link sets at right angles to the other alternately laterally and longitudinally. It is therefore plainly seen in Fig. 2 that a longitudinal link must enter the elongated portion of the opening. The link having been passed in the ring is dropped and the next lateral link above engages the locking-plate and prevents the chain from passing through, thus securely holding the weight suspended at the desired point.

In order to prevent the engaging link from working forward to the larger portion of the opening, Ihave constructed the locking-plate as before described, the rolled ends 6 making it necessary for said link to be raised before it can pass into the larger opening. When the weightis dropped,the chain is made to again engage the locking-plate.

I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to a chain, but can use a strap, rope, or other suspending means which is provided with a series of knots, buttons, or any other convenient means for causing the suspending means to engage the elongatedportion of the opening in the locking-plate at any desired point.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States,is

In a hitching device, the combination with In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two Witnesses.

AUSTIN HENRY DEBORD.

Witnesses:

LENA HALL, JANE BROWN. 

